Mary Redmayne 1,2
1. Population Health Research on Electromagnetic Energy (PRESEE), Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia and
2. School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand

AbstractRadiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure regulations/guidelines generally only
consider acute effects, and not chronic, low exposures. Concerns for children’s exposure are
warranted due to the amazingly rapid uptake of many wireless devices by increasingly younger
children. This review of policy and advice regarding children’s RF-EMF exposure draws material
from a wide variety of sources focusing on the current situation. This is not a systematic review,
but aims to provide a representative cross-section of policy and advisory responses within set
boundaries. There are a wide variety of approaches which I have categorized and tabulated
ranging from ICNIRP/IEEE guidelines and ‘‘no extra precautions needed’’ to precautionary or
scientific much lower maxima and extensive advice to minimize RF-EMF exposure, ban
advertising/sale to children, and add exposure information to packaging. Precautionary
standards use what I term an exclusion principle. The wide range of policy approaches can be
confusing for parents/carers of children. Some consensus among advisory organizations would
be helpful acknowledging that, despite extensive research, the highly complex nature of both
RF-EMF and the human body, and frequent technological updates, means simple assurance of
long-term safety cannot be guaranteed. Therefore, minimum exposure of children to RF-EMF is
recommended. This does not indicate need for alarm, but mirrors routine health-and-safety
precautions. Simple steps are suggested. ICNIRP guidelines need to urgently publish how the
head, torso, and limbs’ exposure limits were calculated and what safety margin was applied
since this exposure, especially to the abdomen, is now dominant in many children.